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THOUSANDS packed the streets of Bacup to join in the fun at the Rossendale Carnival.

When the walking procession, led and organised by Rossendale Town Crier Pete Gill, passed the mini-roundabout at Toll Bar, the last of the walkers filtered out from the Taylor Holme Industrial Estate.

Pete said: 'That's half-a-mile of people, I am sure that we got 1,000 people walking. It was a fantastic day.'

Youngsters donned costumes - there was even a topical entry on a Harry Potter theme from the Gill family of Stacksteads - while Shawforth Majorettes ensured the parade's timing was spot-on. Britannia Coconutters helped entertain the crowds by taking part in the parade and dancing along the way.

And Pete said he was particularly pleased that members of Mencap joined in for the first time and walked the two-mile procession route.

Rawtenstall Market Traders, Bacup Judo Club and Holy Trinity C of E School were also represented, while Bacup Borough paraded through the streets in an open-top bus to display their silverware from last year's successful season.

A large contingent from the Rossendale Prayer Network not only walked the distance but also provided a prayer tent in the town centre and a live band.

Pete said: 'We gave away more than 350 drinks and bags of sweets to children who had taken part in the parade. The atmosphere up to 4.30pm was brilliant and the weather was excellent. I am grateful to everyone who took part in the parade, and the many who lined the route from Stacksteads. They did Rossendale Carnival proud.'

SHOULD the carnival move from Bacup town centre? The question over where the annual Rossendale Carnival should be held was raised after a spate of drunkenness and public disorder marred Sunday's otherwise successful event.

For years the carnival procession has started from the Taylor Holme Industrial Estate and finished in the town centre where stalls and fun fair rides keep families busy all day. But this year, there was trouble outside the Waterloo Pub on Rochdale Road, culminating in several arrests.

Bacup councillor Jimmy Eaton said: 'I think the carnival should relocate to Stubbylee Park. I suggested it last year and I stand by that statement after this year's event. People could still have a drink if they wanted, but it would be away from the pubs, which might help cool things off.'

Sylvia Stratton, of Graham's Fruit and Veg shop in St James Street, endorsed the move to the park. She said: 'There wouldn't be as much access to alcohol if the event was moved to the park. I saw the procession but didn't hang about after that because it was too hot. In Burnley they don't permit drinking on the streets and I think it would be a good thing if a similar ban was introduced here.'

Councillor Lorraine Hammond, whose business - the Coffee Pot café - had a window smashed on carnival day, said: 'It is a shame a small minority have to try to spoil the event for the majority.'

Organiser Pete Gill said the location of the carnival was under discussion. He said: 'Obviously we don't want the carnival to cause any problems or distress to anyone. We will be looking at other sites to see if any are suitable but we will have to find a large venue because the event is growing each year.

'I am not bothered where we hold the carnival providing it is a success but it would be a shame if the actions of 0.02 per cent cause it to be moved. Come on people of Bacup, you know who these people are tell the police and let us eradicate them from our towns. We can stop this happening if we all stand together.'

POLICE have expressed their disappointment and sadness after 11 people were arrested for drunkenness and public disorder at Rossendale Carnival.

Bacup police Inspector David Shepherd said: 'The carnival began at 10am and generally passed without incident until officers attempted to arrest a man who was wanted on suspicion of burglary and for failing to appear at court.

'During the arrest, a large number of police officers were present and some people attempted to free the individual. Extra patrols arrived and the incident was quickly resolved. However, the fact that people intervened when we were simply doing our public duty by trying to make an arrest disappoints me greatly. Such action is unacceptable.'

Following the initial arrest, there were further sporadic incidents of disorder which resulted in further arrests. Insp Shepherd said: 'Thanks to the quick actions of local officers and colleagues called in from around the county to assist, each incident was dealt with promptly and effectively. However, the fact that a small minority caused disorder at a fun day out for the family really saddens me.

'I would like to commend the actions of police officers who did their job under difficult circumstances. I would also like to thank members of the public for their support and reassure the community that the police will continue to respond robustly to incidents of this nature.'

Four of those arrested have been charged with public order offences and bailed; four have been charged with being drunk and disorderly and bailed, two received police cautions and one man is still in custody.

Carnival organiser Pete Gill said: 'A total of 11 arrests, if we say there were 5,000 people there then you are talking about 0.02 per cent of people who attended caused a problem. The police handled everything extremely well and were very good-natured, despite the aggravation and goading from a very small drunken minority.'